Why Make This Recipe
One-Pan Steak Queso Rice is a fantastic dish for those who love a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. This recipe combines the delicious flavors of steak and creamy queso cheese with rice, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner. The best part is that it’s cooked in just one skillet, saving you time on cleanup. Plus, the colorful veggies add a nice crunch and nutrients, making it a well-balanced meal.
How to Make One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the steak pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover to simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Remove the lid, stir in the queso cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
How to Serve One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet for a cozy meal. It pairs well with a side of tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad. You can also offer additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, avocado, or a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavors.
This dish is perfect for gatherings as it can be placed in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy. Each person can serve themselves and customize their plates with their favorite toppings.
How to Store One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of beef broth or water to ensure it doesn’t dry out during reheating.
For longer storage, you can freeze the One-Pan Steak Queso Rice for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Tips to Make One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
- Choosing the Right Steak: Opt for cuts like sirloin, flank, or ribeye for the best results. These cuts are tender and add great flavor.
- Cooking the Rice: Make sure to use uncooked rice, as it will absorb the flavors and broth during cooking, resulting in a delicious final dish.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or diced tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you like some heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when cooking the veggies.
Variation
If you’re looking for a twist, you can substitute the steak with chicken or shrimp for a different protein option. For a vegetarian version, replace the steak with black beans or extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also use a different kind of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a new flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use leftover steak for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover cooked steak works wonderfully. Just reduce the cooking time for the steak in the pan since it’s already cooked.
What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add in some diced jalapeños or use spicy queso cheese to kick up the heat.
How can I make this dish meal prep-friendly?
You can make a big batch and separate it into meal prep containers, making it easy to grab for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this dish can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free beef broth and check the rice package for gluten-free labeling.
One-Pan Steak Queso Rice is a versatile and easy meal that you can prepare in no time. This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers and is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious dish!
Print
One-Pan Steak Queso Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring steak, creamy queso cheese, rice, and colorful veggies, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound steak (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the steak pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover to simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Remove the lid, stir in the queso cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Notes
Customize with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: steak, queso, rice, one-pan meal, easy recipe, Mexican cuisine